How Much Does an Above Ground Pool Cost?

Everything You Need to Know About Above Ground Pools

Sometimes above-ground pools get a bad rap. That’s partially because early versions were cheap looking and tended not to last that long. But don’t let that spoil your idea of modern above-ground pools; they are vastly superior to their predecessors.

Today’s above-ground pools are attractive and well built. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. Some are basic; others luxurious. The most attractive feature is the price: despite the improvements, above-ground pools remain affordable.

Most above-ground pools range in price from about $1,500-$5,000. Installation adds another $1,000-$3,000. We’ll talk more about pricing in a bit.

About Above-Ground Swimming Pools

Above-ground pools are made from prefabricated components that are delivered to your home and assembled on site. Most are made of one of two materials - steel or resin. Steel pools have walls, tracks and rails made completely of steel, while resin pools have steel walls but tracks, rails and other components made of heavy-duty plastic.

The installation process is fairly quick and simple with an above-ground pool. The ground is leveled, the outer walls are assembled, plumbing is installed and a vinyl liner is placed inside the inner wall. Then the pool is filled with water, and the pump and filtration system is hooked up.

The most common shapes for above-ground pools are round, oval and rectangular. Round pools are usually no larger than 33 feet in diameter, while oval or rectangular pools max out at about 18 feet wide by 40 feet long. Above-ground pools are typically no deeper that 5 feet (60 inches).

Price isn’t the only attractive feature of above-ground pools. They’re portable, which makes them ideal for families who don’t plan to be in their current home for long. And they’re great for small yards because they don’t take up as much space as in-ground pools. However, some people simply don’t like the look of above-ground pools. When you go to sell the home, some buyers might consider the pool a drawback.

Cost of Above-Ground Swimming Pools

• A round pool on the smaller size - say 15 feet in diameter - costs about $1,500 to $2,000, not including installation.
• A mid-sized round pool - 24 feet in diameter, for example - sells for about $2,000 to $3,000, not including installation.
• The largest round pools and almost all oval or rectangular pools sell for $3,000 to $5,000, not including installation.
• In some cases, above-ground pools sell for as much as $10,000. At that price, you’ll get a large, top-of-the-line model with the cost of installation included.
• Many homeowners decide to surround their above-ground pool with decking to make the pool look more attractive and provide a space for relaxing and sunbathing. Depending on the size of the pool and the decking material you choose, a deck can cost anywhere from about $3,000-$30,000.

Above Ground Pools Pros

• Price - Above-ground pools are far less expensive than in-ground pools, so they’re a better choice if you’re on a tight budget.
• Ease of installation - Installation is relatively quick and simple because no excavation work is required. In many cases, installation only takes a day or two.
• Portability - Above-ground pools can be disassembled and moved from one location to another. If you move to a new home, you can take the pool with you.

Above Ground Pools Cons

• Durability - Above-ground pools are made using materials that are less durable than those used to make in-ground pools. Because of this, they won’t last as long. Most above-ground pools last 10 to 15 years.
• Aesthetics - Above-ground pools are generally considered less attractive than in-ground pools. And there are fewer size and design options.
• Depth - Above-ground pools offer only a single depth. Unlike in-ground pools, there’s no “deep end.” Generally, above-ground pools are fairly shallow with depths of four to five feet.

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